The Daily Journal.— The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) approved a $15 million allocation from the organization’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). The funding will directly strengthen relief operations for people affected by the two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 that struck northern Venezuela.
U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher approved the allocation to “fund immediate assistance for healthcare, shelter, food, and safe drinking water.”
Alongside ongoing rescue operations, OCHA continues to coordinate information sharing, provide technical support on the ground, and organize the deployment of international response teams.
Massive deployment of rescue teams and search dogs
The scale of the destruction has prompted a coordinated international response led by the United Nations, which has brought together highly specialized personnel and technical support units from multiple countries.
“A total of 30 search-and-rescue teams are deploying to Venezuela from several countries, bringing more than 1,600 personnel and over 100 search dogs. The United Nations has also deployed Disaster Assessment and Coordination teams, along with a four-member operational support team,” the organization said.
Through his official X account, Fletcher thanked the emergency personnel and rescue brigades participating in operations across Venezuela.
“Thank you to everyone who has responded quickly and courageously to provide life-saving search-and-rescue support to the Venezuelan people in close coordination with national authorities. More teams are on the way. Let’s keep going!” the senior U.N. official said.
Death toll and infrastructure damage
According to consolidated figures released by Venezuelan authorities, the twin earthquakes—which struck Caracas and neighboring La Guaira state—have left a provisional toll of 920 deaths, 3,360 injuries, and widespread damage to residential buildings and public infrastructure.
Field assessments indicate that at least 1,000 buildings have suffered structural damage, with the most severe destruction concentrated in the coastal state of La Guaira.
In its statement, OCHA emphasized that the United Nations continues to work “in close collaboration” with Venezuelan government institutions to “ensure assistance reaches those who need it most as quickly as possible.”
The organization has also launched a public fundraising campaign. The United Nations office in Caracas will manage the donations directly to support the continued delivery of food, medical care, and temporary shelter.
